Zimbabwe and South Africa Unite as 1,000+ Marimba Players Aim for World Record in Cape Town

In a vibrant showcase of rhythm, culture, and unity, over 1,000 marimba players from South Africa and Zimbabwe are set to make music history on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at the GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town. The event, aptly themed “United in Harmony,” aims to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the World, surpassing the current record of 505 players held by Guatemala.

At the heart of this record-breaking effort is Kiara Ramklass, founder of Marimba Jam, an organisation that has introduced marimba music to hundreds of schools across South Africa over the past decade. Driven by a passion she first discovered 18 years ago, Ramklass envisions the event as more than just a musical performance—it’s a celebration of inclusivity, ubuntu, and cultural pride.

“South African marimbas are tuned in C major – it’s almost impossible to feel sad when you hear them. They create this magical, happy energy. That’s what we’re sharing with the world on the 2nd of August,” said Ramklass.

The ensemble will feature musicians ranging in age from 8 to 62 years old, representing more than 70 schools and institutions across all nine provinces of South Africa, alongside two participating schools from Zimbabwe. Participants are going the extra mile—some traveling by truck from Johannesburg and Durban, and others flying in from KwaZulu-Natal immediately after their matric dances—demonstrating extraordinary commitment to this historic performance.

This is not the first time Marimba Jam has attempted to make history. In 2018, the team unofficially gathered 241 girls on Women’s Day to break the record, but the attempt went unrecognized due to lack of official documentation. This time, with Guinness World Records™ officials flying in from London, the stakes are higher and the preparations more meticulous.

“This event is about more than just breaking a record. It’s about bringing together people from private schools, township schools, rural schools—across all divides—to celebrate unity, joy, and shared humanity,” Ramklass explained.

The group will perform a powerful 10-minute medley featuring globally loved African anthems ‘Waka Waka’ and ‘Jerusalema’, symbolising resilience, pride, and cultural heritage.

The public is invited to be part of this unforgettable event. Tickets are available through Quicket, with doors opening at 4:00 PM and the official record attempt scheduled for 5:30 PM. The evening will conclude with a vibrant concert featuring celebrated South African artists, marimba demos, live performances, djembe drumming workshops, art installations, photo booths, and immersive virtual reality zones.

Each marimba player who takes part in the record-breaking performance will receive an official Guinness World Records™ medallion, commemorating their role in this monumental achievement.

Join the movement and be part of history using the hashtag #BiggestJam2025. For tickets and more information, visit www.marimbajam.co.za.